Caricatures for the YELP 80s Prom Partyf

Caricatures for special events

Hiring a caricature artist for your event or party can be a lot of fun. I've been doing it here in the Phoenix area for several years now and it is always a positive experience for me, my clients, and their guests.

The most important thing to do is to put the artist somewhere that is both out-of-way, but visible. If lights are dim at your event, consider that the artist will need light to work by, and be sure to put them somewhere practical, but not at the center of attention. If possible it's best to have enough space for your guests to look over the artist's shoulder. There is really no need to post a bunch of samples, people will just watch how the artist draws their friends. From that they will evaluate if it is an experience that they themselves would like to participate in. And since an artist like me is paid for by the event coordinator, it's important for people to know that the caricature is free. I always make up a little sign emphasizing FREE.

If possible, have a table where people can set down their drawings until the end of the evening. This is not only more convenient for your guests, but it can be a lot of fun for people to look through. At some events people carry their drawings back to their tables to share with their friends. Either way works.  I've seen people try to hang them up on the wall, but that isn't really necessary. A caricature artist should bring sketchpads and pens. You should be prepared to provide chairs and light and that's all. Three chairs is best - one for the artist and two for the guests (who often like to be drawn as couples). More chairs, tables, etc. than that just gets in the way and should be avoided.

I started drawing caricatures of my friends in high school. In my twenties, I drew caricatures at Magic Mountain near Los Angeles one summer just for fun. I like to tell people that I have studied the great masters, Mort Drucker, Jack Davis, Angelos Torres, from Mad Magazine. I have a degree in Fine Art and have taught drawing at The Art Institute of Phoenix. As an artist, I am unusual as that I like to draw in public, and I like people. Most artists I've met are very private people, and don't want you to watch them draw. Me, I love it!

Brad is available to draw caricatures for your special event or party in the greater Phoenix area. To find out more, visit his caricature page or contact Brad directly.

How to learn how to draw caricatures

A caricature is a humorous drawing of someone's face. Although it's not a portrait, it should look like the person. Drawing an insulting or degrading caricature of a person is easy, drawing a flattering caricature is more difficult, but it can be done.

When I was a kid, I studied the great masters of caricature art, Mort Drucker, Angelo Torres and Al Hirschfeld. You can Google these artists or find some of your own. All artists start by imitating their masters, then they find their own style. Carry your sketchbook around (if you aren't already), and draw your friends. By the way, if they want to take the drawing, give it to them, that is a good sign. If you offer it, and they say, "uh... no, I'm already carrying too much", don't be discouraged, that just means that you need to practice more, in private.

To capture a likeness, you will have to observe and be aware of major shapes. Faces aren't only about eyes and noses and ears. In fact, most caricature artists have just a few eyes, ears and nose shapes that they draw. The key to capturing a likeness is to get the shape of the face, and the proportions, correct. If you have only drawn by looking at a photo, doing a drawing from life will be a challenge. Yes, I know it sounds corny, but begin with drawing a still life, that is, the old "bowl of fruit" or the objects on your desk. This will actually be the most difficult part of the entire process, and it's also why most artists resist it. It is very different drawing from real life than from a photograph. When you draw from a photograph, it's already visually flattened for you, the shadows never move, the subject holds still. Drawing from life means that you have to see it all in your "mind's eye". If you are self-conscious about asking people to sit for you, draw your dog, or go to the zoo.

A teacher of mine once told me to "spend more time seeing than drawing". If it's not convenient to have your sketchbook in front of you, for instance while driving, you can still be seeing like an artist. The drawing is done in your mind, putting it down on paper is just the last step.

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